Panama is set to face England in their final Group L fixture of the World Cup 2026, with experienced players like forward Cecilio Waterman and midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla expected to play crucial roles in their bid for an upset. Waterman, 35, a forward for Universidad de Concepcion in Chile, has earned 57 caps for Panama and scored 15 goals. He gained wider recognition last year for his reaction after scoring a stoppage-time winner against the USA in the Concacaf Nations League, where he embraced his idol, Thierry Henry. "He was there, and it came out of my heart to go hug and celebrate with him. It was totally natural," Waterman said of the incident. He has recently been a regular in the squad after a six-year absence from international play between 2013 and 2019, competing with Jose Fajardo for a starting position. Waterman has featured in Panama's matches against Ghana and Croatia during the tournament.
Midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, who plays for Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer, is another significant player for Panama. His performances in the midfield are vital to the team's structure and ability to control possession. Another player highlighted is defender Jose Cordoba, who has shown passion and assertiveness on the field. Cristian Martinez, who plays in the midfield, also represents a key offensive threat for the Panamanian side.
Michael Amir Murillo, a defender, is also part of the squad. The team's coach, Thomas Christiansen, downplayed an incident where Waterman and teammate Jose Luis Rodriguez were seen pushing and shoving during a disagreement on Friday, with other players intervening to separate them. "He was there, and it came out of my heart to go hug and celebrate with him. It was totally natural," Waterman said of the incident, referring to his celebration after scoring against the USA in the Concacaf Nations League.
